I'd love to get that polished look like the Duchess of Cambridge, Kim Sears et al

[CambridgeBlue]

I hate the fake nails/hair/tan look that a lot of celebs go for but I'd love to pull off the sleek swishy look that these ladies do so well. I know they have the best hairdressers and make-up artists at their disposal plus generous budgets, and clearly that's not an option for most of us, but there must be other things I could do to make myself look a bit more polished and classy.

I don't suit dresses and heels (nor does my lifestyle) but I don't live in jeans either. I buy quite nice stuff but seem to either look too 'done' and a bit frumpy or casual and slightly scruffy. When I was reading up on colour and style analysis I worked out that I might be a 'natural' type - could that be why I am destined to look like a student or my mother-in-law instead of a classy bird? :)

It's all about eyebrows to start with. google any "before" shots of Jen Anniston, Kate Wales et al and they change radically once their brows are defined. Threading is the way to go, Asian women have brows down pat.

Then it's hair that's manageable be it short or long, and again it's all in the cut. Buy the best you can afford, have it done every 6 weeks. Ditto colour. Certain things just do not look as good if done yourself: pay peanuts, get monkies

Water and fruit for clear skin. Excercise is why Cameron Diaz always looks so bloody good.

Bobbi cosmetics, lightly done.

Heed your mums advice: legs or boobs, eyes or lips but never both at the same time. Buy fewer, better quality clothes.

Smile. Nothing says try to hard like a rictus face like really, really good looking people

Definitely agree re brows - after years of having them "averagely" threaded I have started seeing a "brow stylist" and the change is phenomenal. I thought they were good before but not I actually get complimented specifically on my brows, I've been told I look years younger and friends are always asking what it is I've had "done"

There's defo something about good brows. The few days before I get mine threaded I always look crap, regardless of how polished the rest of me is. Since threading them people have started to say how well shaped they are instead of the dodgy plucked look

Off to get my nails done today too- nothing flash, just a shape and tidy up but every little bit helps right?!

Just don't mention ditching the fried chicken